'It was, like, sputtering': Witnesses describe moments before DeSoto County plane crash

A twin-engine plane crashed into farmland near Southeast Airport Road in DeSoto County, injuring two people on board, according to local witnesses.

Witnesses described the moment before the crash as the aircraft making an unusual, sputtering sound while flying relatively low, about 150 feet above ground, with one observer noting the orange and white aircraft.

Public safety officials said the pilot was airlifted as a trauma alert, and the other person on board was transported to a hospital.

A Venice Airport representative described the flight as a touch-and-go training operation, typically used by flight schools where a landing is simulated with a brief runway contact before the aircraft takes off again.

Flight logs indicate the aircraft had been practicing on the runway from around 10 a.m. before departing shortly before 1 p.m.

The Federal Aviation Administration is leading the investigation into the crash, as witnesses expressed relief that no lives were lost.